The Silent Scholars

The Silent Scholars are an international mages guild which formed during the Never-Ending War. The group was responsible for the de-escalation of the conflict and the eventual truce between Fomdilla and Varonia, with the stipulation that both sides be prohibited from all forms of technological advancement. Since the war's end, the Scholars have taken up watch over both nations to make sure the conditions of the truce are upheld.

Gnomish Persecution
The Scholars are seen as responsible for turning gnomish inventions into a scapegoat after the end of the war. As a result, Gnomes have all-but-disappeared from society; some seeking refuge in the Murmuring Forest.

Regulated Schooling
The Silent Scholars have Universities within most major cities, as well as research outposts scattered across the land. These schools attempt to recruit intellectual talent before it can be tainted.

The Scholars are the only institution sanctioned by the state to educate the populace on magic, as a way to keep this type of learning safe and standardized.